Sunday, March 18, 2018

The miracle of Amsterdam

Ah old Europe. Last night thousands of people marched in silence to commemorate something that happened on March 15, 1345 : The Miracle of Amsterdam. In a house on the Kalverstraat a dying man vomited up the sacrament that was given to him as part of the last rites, landing in the fireplace. But lo! the next day it was found in the ashes of the fire, completely intact. A miracle! not an especially useful one but still, it was officially recognised as such by the church and each year, even when the apparent temperature is -15 due to the wind chill factor, people take to the streets and walk the same route that the pastor of the Oude Kerk walked after witnessing the miracle.

That’s what faith can do for you. At least it will get you out of the house.